A PHYSICAL training instructor with the RAF Reserves has been on exercise with Norwegian forces to learn extreme cold weather survival techniques.

Dan Fawkes, from Guisborough, who runs his own adventure training company, joined reservists from 16 other squadrons in Norway as part of Exercise Wintermarch.

They learnt to ski cross-country in Hardangervidda National Park and were also tutored in other skills such as avalanche awareness, crevasse rescue and first aid by instructors from the Norwegian Reserve Officers Federation.

Cross-country skiing was essential in the legendary Telemark raid of the Second World War which blew up a plant in Norway being used by the Nazis to develop a nuclear bomb.

Mr Fawkes said: “I wanted to do something new and be challenged. I’ve learnt that I’m quite good at falling over – definitely better at going uphill than downhill.

“I’ve never been to Norway so it’s great to experience a new place and meet new people. It’s been a good laugh.”